Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has presented a Distinguished Service Medal with Honour to the family of the late Private Billy Kedian at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa in Co Galway.
Mr Kedian, from Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo, was 21 years old when he was killed while on peacekeeping service in Lebanon 25 years ago.
He is the first army private in the history of the state to be recognised with the Distinguished Service Medal with Honour.
At today's ceremony, the Tánaiste presented Private Kedian’s sisters Ann and Mary with the Distinguished Service Medal in Private Kedian’s honour.
Speaking at the medal presentation, the Tánaiste paid tribute to the late Private Kedian, of whom he said "duty, professionalism and a willingness to accept responsibility were the hallmarks of his service".
Private Kedian was fatally injured by shrapnel after a mortar round fired by the Israeli-backed South Lebanese Milita exploded inside the Irish base at Barasheet on 31 May 1999.
When United Nations Post 6-42, at which Private Kedian was stationed, came under fire, Private Kedian ensured the safety of fellow peacekeepers by getting them to the bunkers during the attack, which claimed his own life.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy said the selfless act of Private Billy Kedian over 25 years ago personified the values of selflessness, courage and leadership in Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Lieutenant General Clancy spoke of the sacrifices of the families of those who serve as well as the sacrifice of those carrying out the duties of the defence forces.
"I'm very grateful for the Tánaiste and the Government to accept the recommendation that a Private Soldier be awarded a Distinguished Service Medal with Honour.
"It’s the least we should do to reflect the sacrifice that Billy made, what his family made, in allowing him to serve."
Company Sergeant Paul Duffy at the First Battalion in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa who served with Private Kedian on the peacekeeping mission in May 1999, said they looked up to Private Kedian who "led by example".
"We were all woken up when the rounds started around the post. That morning, Billy Kedian could have been the first to the post, but he chose to go back check on his fellow comrades, make sure everyone was safe and got to the bunkers.
"He was unfortunately killed through those actions when the rest of us survived, and a few were injured.
"It's great to see him being recognised here today, 25 years after the event that he was awarded the DSM with Honour."
Speaking to RTÉ's Liveline in 2023, Retired Army Sergeant Larry Carty, a former colleague who served with Private Kedian in Lebanon, said he was an outstanding soldier who saved 11 lives.
He said the average age was only 19 in that company at the time.
He added: "They were all young soldiers. You know Billy saved 11 nice lives that morning".
'Very kind and good-hearted'
The Distinguished Service Medal has only been awarded to 31 members of the Defence Forces since its introduction in 1964.
Private Kedian's body was flown home on Friday, 4 June 1999.
It was brought to Ireland West Airport in Knock by Air Corps aircraft.
Private Kedian was buried with full military honours in Ballyhaunis.
A childhood friend of Private Kedian previously described how Ballyhaunis came to a standstill during Private Kedian's State funeral.
Gerry O'Boyle said Mr Kedian's actions saved lives, adding that "he was very kind and good-hearted".
"He always put everybody first. That was the type of guy he was," he said.
Watch from the RTÉ Archives: Irish peacekeeper killed while on duty in Lebanon
Private Kedian's Distinguished Service Medal with Honour may be recognised in Ballyhaunis at a later date.
Private Kedian was following in a tradition of Irish peacekeepers who had been participating in international operations.
Defence Forces serving in UNIFIL missions since 1978
Óglaigh na hÉireann's peacekeeping service in the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon stretches back to 1978.
The Tánaiste said participation in UNIFIL illustrates how countries like Ireland can make a practical difference for the people of Lebanon.
"The decision by any Government to send troops overseas on UN peacekeeping operations is never taken lightly.
"The decision of Private Kedian to embark on this noble endeavour and to travel to Lebanon to contribute to this vital mission for a second time in April 1999, is a source of pride for us all."
Private Kedian enlisted in the Defence Forces on 30 December 1996.
He embarked on his second peacekeeping mission to UNIFIL in April 1999.
Listen: Campaign to have Private Billy Kedian recognised officially by the Government
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Distinguished Service Medal
The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded to individuals whose actions display bravery, courage, leadership, resource, or devotion to duty, and can be awarded with Honour, with Distinction, or with Merit.
A Defence Forces' Medals Board, which reviewed the case, concluded that Private Kedian’s selfless actions were deserving of the posthumous award of the Distinguished Service Medal, with honour.
Citation '856310 Private William ‘Billy’ Kedian is awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with Honour' reads:
"For distinguished service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), for displaying courage, bravery and leadership. On 31 May 1999, Pte Kedian, despite great personal risk and while his Post was under fire, alerted fellow Peacekeepers to the dangerous situation and directed them to a place of safety. His selfless actions and devotion to duty placed him in danger and resulted in his death."
